When writing gets difficult....
So they turned it down… the short story, the synopsis or three chapters. Thanks but no thanks.
Facing disappointment is part of every writer's life. Published or unpublished it's still a body blow especially when you know you've given it of your best.
What do you do with rejection? Kick it out of sight, stomp around the room, blame them for being blind to your talents, take it personally or give it all up? Do all of these for a few hours but no more.
My friend, the novelist, Elizabeth Gill has a saying: Winners never quit and quitters never win. It's kept me back at the coalface many a time and I'm learning to look rejection and set backs in the face when they come as part and parcel of my craft.
If you're lucky the publisher may write a note to say why your work wasn't accepted. Listen and learn. Reader, be not proud. Any positive criticism is a gift to work on. This is a first class rejection slip as someone's bothered to give you notes. Better luck next time.
Most people just get the standard rejection slip with its cold clinical, no. Did you send your work to the right agent or editor? Have you done your homework beforehand, making sure it got into the hands of a named person?
So many new writers can scupper their chances by not bothering to write a distinctive covering letter that alerts the editor or agent to possible talent ahead.
Believe me, if that letter is boring, unimaginative and badly assembled you won't even get a fair read of the rest.
In today's cut throat market submissions have to shine like beacons, offer original insights and angles and buyers need to feel confident that the work will hit the board running. (yes, those clichés keep coming)
It's all very daunting but no fear. You have something precious to offer, a new voice, new name and no back history. Everyone wants to find that distinctive original talent. Perhaps you are what they are looking for right now?
Believe this and keep on writing, submitting, improving and never giving up. You are going to write something worth reading. You can be right when others are wrong. Dare to believe in your way of seeing things and write accordingly.
Good Luck!